Are You a Dental Implant Candidate?

Tooth loss is a major issue. When you lose your teeth, simple tasks like eating and speaking become more difficult. Your smile and your confidence deteriorate. Your jawbone begins to weaken, changing shape. Replacing your missing teeth is essential for restoring your mouth, and your quality of life. There are several different options available for replacing missing teeth. The most popular option by far is dental implants. These small titanium rods, which are surgically implanted into the jawbone, offer numerous benefits over more traditional treatments like bridges and dentures. However, they are not always the best solution for everyone. At BiteLock, we perform a thorough oral exam to determine if you are a good candidate.

You Have Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a treatment meant to replace missing teeth. Tooth loss is one of the most obvious factors that can determine candidacy for implants. They are a versatile treatment. No matter if you are missing one tooth or all teeth in a single arch, implants may be an option. If you are not yet missing teeth, but need to have a tooth extracted, implants may also be discussed.

Your Health is Good

To place implants, you need to undergo a surgical procedure. After surgery, recovery can last up to several months. To avoid complications during surgery and recovery, you need to be in good overall health. If you are currently managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, these conditions need to be under control. Any oral health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, will also need to be treated before surgery. When you are in good health, your recovery is more likely to go smoothly and without complications.

You Do Not Smoke

Smoking affects the health of your whole body. It can also affect how your body heals. The chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products slow the blood flow and limit oxygen in the blood. Smoking can also dislodge clots. Both of these factors can greatly increase your risk for infection and even implant rejection.

Your Jaw is Fully Developed

You are never too old for dental implants. Adults of all ages can benefit from this treatment. However, you can be too young. The jawbone develops all throughout childhood and into the teen years. It stops growing in the late teen years into the early 20s. If an implant is placed in an underdeveloped jaw, serious issues could arise. If your child has suffered the loss of a permanent tooth, other options will be discussed. Once the jaw has finished growing, then an implant can be explored.

You Have Not Suffered Significant Bone Loss

To successfully support your replacement teeth, the implants rely on osseointegration or the fusion of the bone to the titanium rods. However, when you lose your teeth, the bone begins to weaken. The longer you go without seeking treatment, the more bone mass is lost. If too much bone mass is lost, the implants will not fuse properly and are more likely to fail. Bone loss does not automatically disqualify you. If you are missing significant bone mass, we can explore options such as the All on 4 treatment concept and bone grafts before implant surgery.

With dental implants, you regain the functions of your mouth, your smile, and your quality of life. For more information, and to find out if dental implants are right for you, call Bite Lock today at (469) 995-7808.